RADISH

(Raphanus sativus), annual or biennial plant in the family Brassicaceae that is grown for its large, succulent root. The edible part of the root, together with some of the seedling stem, forms a structure varying in shape, among varieties, from spherical, through oblong, to long cylindrical or tapered. The outside colour of the root varies from white, through pink, to red, purple, and black; the size of the edible part varies from a few grams in the most popular early American and European varieties up to 1 kg (2.2 pounds) in the late Japanese field type of radish, or daikon. Generally, flower stalks form the first season, bearing white or lilac-veined flowers. The seeds are borne in a pod called a silicle. The small, quick-growing spring varieties have a mild, crisp, moderately firm flesh and are quite perishable. The large, slow-growing summer and winter types have pungent, firm flesh. Winter varieties can be stored through the winter. The common radish is probably of Oriental origin. Radishes are low in calories and high in bulk. They are usually eaten raw and the young tops are sometimes shredded and added to salads. See also wild radish.